CN117297331A - Machine for preparing and dispensing coffee - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, wherein the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee comprises an upper housing, a lower housing, a water filling tank provided in the upper housing and a heating furnace in fluid communication with the water filling tank, and a coffee brewing assembly in fluid communication with the heating furnace, the coffee brewing assembly being configured to receive boiled water from the heating furnace for brewing coffee, wherein the upper housing and the lower housing are formed into a body portion of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, the coffee brewing assembly being attached to the upper housing at an upper end thereof and the coffee brewing assembly being angled with respect to the body portion.

Description

Machine for preparing and dispensing coffee

Technical Field

The invention relates to the technical field of machines for preparing and dispensing coffee, in particular to a portable machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, which can meet the requirements of people for drinking at any time, is very convenient to use and has good user experience effect.

Background

Coffee is increasingly popular with more consumers, especially young consumers. There is also an increasing demand in the market for machines for making coffee. In particular, coffee produced by a pressure coffee machine or an extraction coffee machine has a good mouthfeel and a mellow taste, and is a very attractive product. Pressure coffee machines currently on the market mainly fill coffee powder, or capsules (pre-pressed coffee cakes) in a sealed chamber, and extract to prepare coffee. The coffee machine makes the operation of extracting coffee simpler and more convenient.

The pressure coffee machine that commonly flows and uses in the existing market is bigger, is domestic or commercial, and the structure is complicated, carries very inconvenient, can not satisfy people's requirement of drinking at any time. In addition, such a pressure coffee machine is very inconvenient to use and has a poor user experience.

There remains a need in the art for a portable machine for preparing and dispensing coffee that can meet the needs of people for drinking at any time, is very convenient to use, and has a good user experience.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to solve the problems that a coffee pressure extraction machine in the prior art is large in size, inconvenient to carry and incapable of meeting the drinking requirements of people at any time, and provides a portable machine for preparing and distributing coffee.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, wherein the machine comprises an upper housing, a lower housing, a water-filled tank provided within the upper housing and a heating furnace in fluid communication with the water-filled tank, and a coffee brewing assembly in fluid communication with the heating furnace, the coffee brewing assembly being configured to receive boiled water from the heating furnace for brewing coffee, wherein the upper and lower housings are formed into a body portion of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, the coffee brewing assembly being attached to the upper housing at an upper end thereof, and the coffee brewing assembly being angled relative to the body portion. In the present invention, by adopting such an overall configuration and layout, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is relatively compact, portable and easy to operate.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the coffee brewing assembly is inclined 15-30 degrees with respect to the body portion.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is further provided with a level sensor for detecting the level of water in the heating furnace.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the water filling tank is higher than the heating furnace, the bottom of the water filling tank being provided with a level sensor for detecting the level of water added to the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the liquid level sensor is a conductive pin, and the conductive pin and the heating furnace are both electrically connected to a circuit for detecting the liquid level to form a detection loop. In an embodiment of the invention, the effect of preventing dry-burning of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is obtained in a very simple and reliable way, since the level sensor for measuring the liquid level operates on a simple principle and is simple in circuitry.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the coffee brewing assembly comprises a capsule snap ring, an embossed plate and a brewing housing, within which a capsule holder for receiving a capsule is arranged, the capsule snap ring being for sealingly securing the capsule to the capsule holder.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, at least one piercing element for piercing the capsule is provided within the brewing housing.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the at least one piercing element comprises two or more piercing elements and they have different lengths.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, there is also provided a cup holder, the capsule snap ring connecting the cup holder to a capsule holder, the cup holder comprising a cup holder body, a dispensing nozzle being provided at a lower end of the cup holder body, an embossed plate receiving portion being provided inside the cup holder body for receiving an embossed plate.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the cup holder further comprises a drip-proof mechanism disposed between the cup holder body and the relief plate receiving portion.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the drip prevention mechanism includes a plunger and a biasing element, one end of the biasing element abutting the cup holder body, the other end of the biasing element abutting the plunger, the plunger being configured to abut in the tapered seat of the relief plate receiving portion due to an elastic compression force of the biasing element. In this embodiment of the invention, by using an anti-drip mechanism, the remaining coffee can be prevented from dripping after the coffee has been dispensed, thus avoiding soiling of the machine and table top for preparing and dispensing coffee, ensuring a clean and tidy machine and table top.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the relief plate includes relief elements on a surface thereof and apertures between the relief elements, the apertures extending through the relief plate and widening gradually from the surface including the relief elements toward an opposite surface. The embossment is configured to facilitate rapid exit of brewed coffee from the embossment to enhance the efficiency of coffee flow therethrough.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, a control panel for user operation and providing visual indication to a user is provided on the brewing housing, the control panel comprising a button operated by the user and an indication means for providing visual indication to the user, the indication means being provided around the button.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the indication means comprises a ring of light bars arranged around the button, the different colours and different lighting states of the lights in the indication means being used to provide an indication to the user about the state of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the indication means are capable of illuminating different colors and numbers of lights to provide an indication that the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is being heated and that coffee is being dispensed. By employing a control panel and an indicating device thus configured, the present invention provides the user with information about the state of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee in a simple manner, facilitating further operation of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, a seal is provided between the filler box and the upper housing, and a seal is provided between the brewing assembly and the upper housing. In the present invention, by employing the seal, it is possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering the battery pack and liquid such as water from entering the main body portion, and therefore, it is possible to better improve the safety of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee further comprises a battery pack arranged in the lower housing.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is provided with a charging interface to facilitate charging the battery pack.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the cistern is formed in the shape of a container having a shallower bottom.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal centre of the coffee brewing assembly, the lower surface of the battery pack being flush with the lower end of the lower housing when the battery pack is mounted in place, thereby acting as a supporting surface for the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee. The generally symmetrical overall structure provides better structural stability for users and has better user experience effect. In addition, since the entire lower surface of the battery pack is used as a support surface of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee can be conveniently and stably placed on a support surface such as a table top.

In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the coffee brewing assembly is rotatably attached to the upper housing.

Drawings

The objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for the purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the overall construction of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee comprising an upper housing, a lower housing, a coffee brewing assembly, a water-adding tank cover, etc.

Fig. 2 shows a front view and a left view of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a coffee brewing assembly is shown comprising a cup, a cup holder, a capsule snap ring, an embossed plate and a brewing housing on which a control panel for user operation and providing visual indications to the user is provided.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating the internal components of the machine, with the tank cover and the upper housing removed to better illustrate the internal components, including the tank, the oven, and the level sensor, etc.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, from another angle in a partial enlarged view, showing a water filling tank and a level sensor located inside said water filling tank.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a schematic diagram of a level sensor of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a coffee brewing assembly is shown in partial cross-sectional view, the coffee brewing assembly comprising a cup, a cup holder, a capsule snap ring, an embossed plate and a brewing housing.

Fig. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the coffee brewing assembly in an enlarged view.

Fig. 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an embossed plate of a coffee brewing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a control panel of a machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a button and an indication means arranged around the button, which in an exemplary embodiment comprises eight LED lamps, wherein fig. 11a to 11h show the LED lamps of the indication means in sequence, which are gradually lit.

Detailed Description

The following description of the embodiments of the present invention will be made apparent and fully in view of the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. All other embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without making any inventive effort, are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the term "connected" and the like should be construed broadly, and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically or electrically connected; can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention will be understood in specific cases by those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more. It will be further understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, as used herein, refer to an orientation or positional relationship based on that shown in the drawings, merely for convenience in describing the invention and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In the description of the present specification, a description referring to terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples," etc., means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

For the purposes of facilitating an understanding of the technical aspects of the present invention, reference will now be made to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the overall construction of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, said machine 100 comprising an upper housing 1, a lower housing 2, a water-adding tank arranged inside said upper housing 1 and a heating boiler 7 (see fig. 4) in fluid communication with said water-adding tank, a coffee brewing assembly 3 in fluid communication with said heating boiler 7. The coffee brewing assembly 3 is configured to receive boiled water from the heating furnace 7 for brewing coffee. In one embodiment, the machine 100 may also be fitted with a battery pack (not shown) disposed in the lower housing 2. As shown in fig. 1, the upper and lower housings 1 and 2 are formed as main body parts of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, the coffee brewing assembly 3 is formed in the shape of a cup that can be held by hand, and the coffee brewing assembly 3 is attached to the upper housing 1 at its upper end so as to be suspended at one side of the main body parts. Also shown in fig. 1 is a cistern lid 4 arranged above the cistern for closing the cistern. The machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is substantially symmetrical about a substantially vertical plane P (see left view of fig. 2) passing through the longitudinal center of the coffee brewing assembly, such substantially symmetrical overall structure providing a better structural stability to the user with a better user experience and visual effect.

Fig. 2 shows a front view (left view) and a left view (right view) of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention. As is clear from the front view of fig. 2, the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is formed as a whole in a substantially symmetrical structure with respect to a substantially vertical plane P (see left view of fig. 2) passing through the longitudinal center of the coffee brewing assembly. The control panel 30 is shown in a front view, said control panel 30 comprising a button 301 operated by a user and an indication means 302 for providing a visual indication to the user, said indication means 302 being arranged around said button 301, the operation and function of the control panel 30 being described in more detail below in relation to fig. 11. As can be seen in the left view of fig. 2, the coffee brewing assembly 3 is attached to the upper end of the main body portion of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee (i.e. to the upper housing 1) and is inclined with respect to the main body portion at an angle, preferably about 15-30 degrees, measured with respect to the vertical according to the central axis of the coffee brewing assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the coffee brewing assembly 3 is inclined about 20 degrees with respect to the body portion. The coffee brewing assembly 3 is suspended from the main body portion, in particular from the upper housing 1, such that, on the one hand, the coffee brewing assembly 3 is relatively close to the main body portion (i.e. at as small an angle of inclination as possible) such that the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is formed as a relatively compact integral part and the main weight of the machine 100 as a whole for preparing and dispensing coffee is concentrated in the main body portion, and, on the other hand, the coffee brewing assembly 3 cannot be too close to the main body portion (i.e. at as large an angle of inclination as possible) and is inclined outwardly with respect to the main body portion in order to facilitate receiving brewed coffee with a cup during preparation of coffee. The inclination angle of the coffee brewing assembly 3 with respect to the body portion is thus suitably chosen to obtain a relatively compact and easy-to-use machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee. In one embodiment, the angle of the coffee brewing assembly 3 is adjustable. This may be achieved by e.g. hingably mounting the coffee brewing assembly 3 to the body portion. So that the user can adjust the angle of the coffee brewing assembly 3 as desired and preferred. The capsule-clasp 32 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to connect to the brewing housing 31 or to disconnect from the brewing housing 31.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 2 is provided with a power interface. The power source may be a battery pack. In one embodiment, the lower housing 2 comprises a skirt with an open bottom, and a battery pack is inserted upwards from below the lower housing 2 into the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee (see fig. 3) to supply power to the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, so as to be able to provide portability to the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee for easy carry-on and immediate use. In one embodiment of the invention, a charging interface may also be provided in the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee to facilitate charging the battery pack. Not shown in the figures is a battery pack that may be a generally oval-shaped structure conforming to the shape of the main body portion of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, with electrical interface terminals located on and extending upwardly from the upper surface of the generally oval-shaped structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower housing 2 is provided as a waterproof skirt of the battery pack to prevent water or prepared coffee from penetrating the battery pack during operation of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, thereby preventing a short circuit. The electrical interface terminals of the battery pack may extend upward into the upper housing 1, and the electrical interface terminals of the battery pack are sealed to prevent the electrical interface terminals from being exposed to water or other liquids to avoid electrical leakage.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack is formed as a member shape-fitted with the lower case 2, and the lower surface of the battery pack is a flat surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, after the battery pack is inserted into the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, the lower surface of the battery pack may be flush with the lower end of the lower housing 2, together with being used as a supporting surface of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee. The lower end of the lower case 2 may be longer or shorter than the lower surface of the battery pack, which falls within the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the entire lower surface of the battery pack is used as a support surface for the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, so that the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee can be conveniently and stably placed on a support surface such as a table top. In addition, the weight of the battery pack is large and forms a major part of the weight of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee together with the upper and lower housings 1 and 2 and the components enclosed therein, and thus the center of gravity of the entire machine 100 is located within the main body portion, and the battery pack has a large weight to lower the overall center of gravity of the machine 100, which further enhances the stability with which the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is supported on the lower surface of the battery pack.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the coffee brewing assembly 3 is shown to comprise a cup 33, a cup holder 36, a capsule snap ring 32, an embossing plate 35 and a brewing housing 31, on which brewing housing 31 a control panel 30 is provided for user operation and for providing visual indications to the user. To prepare coffee, the capsule 34 is first fitted into the coffee brewing assembly 3 and fixed in place. During the preparation of coffee, boiled water from the heating furnace is pumped into the coffee brewing assembly 3, the capsule 34 is brewed, the prepared coffee is extracted, and flows into the cup 33 for drinking.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating the internal components of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, with the tank cover and the upper housing removed in order to better illustrate the internal components, including the tank 5, the heating furnace 7, and the level sensor 6, etc. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, from another angle in a partial enlarged view, showing a dosing tank 5 and a level sensor 6 located inside said dosing tank 5.

The machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the present invention is preferably used for preparing single cups of coffee quickly, for example about 50ml of coffee. In the embodiment of the invention, the top of the water filling tank 5 is detachably connected with a water filling tank cover 4. Preferably, the cistern cover 4 is screwed onto the cistern 5 to facilitate filling of the cistern 5 with water. In a preferred embodiment, the cistern 5 is formed in the shape of a container having a shallower bottom. Since the water adding tank 5 has a shallower bottom, it can be easily and timely observed whether the water adding sensor 6 has been immersed by the water to stop the water adding.

As shown in fig. 4, a heating furnace 7 is provided below the water tank 5, and the heating furnace 7 is in fluid communication with the water tank 5 through a pipe. In a specific embodiment, the bottom of the cistern 5 is provided with an opening 51, and a level sensor 6 is provided near the opening 51 for detecting the level of water poured into the cistern 5. A pipe is connected between the heating furnace 7 and the water-adding tank 5 so that water poured into the water-adding tank 5 flows through the pipe through the opening 51 directly into the heating furnace 7. In a coffee making operation, the dosing tank cover 4 is opened and removed, and water is slowly poured into the dosing tank 5, for example with a gauge such as a cup 33 containing water, until the water submerges the level sensor 6. After the water submerges the liquid level sensor 6, the water adding step is finished by stopping the water adding and then covering the water adding tank cover 4.

Fig. 6 schematically shows in a simplified diagram a schematic view of a level sensor 6 of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention. In one example, the level sensor 6 is implemented as a conductive pin placed at the bottom of the cistern 5. The level sensor 6 ensures that the least amount of water that can be allowed during heating has been added to the heating furnace 7, i.e. that the level of water is now higher than the level sensor 6 arranged at the bottom of the water adding tank 5. The machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee starts the operation of the heating boiler only when the water is detected by the level sensor 6, starting to heat the water in said boiler, ensuring that the boiler is filled before starting and preventing overheating of the heating element, thus having the effect of preventing dry combustion.

As schematically shown in fig. 6, a liquid level sensor 6 (i.e., a conductive pin) is placed at the bottom of the filler tank 5. In fig. 6, the upper dashed box represents a filler tank, which is generally electrically insulating. Preferably, the water-adding tank is made of plastic; the lower dashed box represents a furnace that is electrically conductive and is made of a metallic material or alloy. The conductive pin is electrically connected to a circuit for detecting a liquid level by a wire, the wall of the heating furnace is conductive, and another wire electrically connects the heating furnace to the circuit for detecting a liquid level. That is, the liquid level sensor 6 is electrically connected to a wire, the other end of which is connected to a circuit board PCB, and the water-adding tank 5 is electrically insulated. The wall of the furnace 7 is electrically conductive and another wire is electrically connected to the furnace 7, the other end of which is also connected to a circuit board PCB for detecting the liquid level. When the water level does not reach the liquid level sensor 6, the liquid level sensor 6 and the heating furnace 7 are not electrically connected to each other, and thus the circuit for detecting the liquid level is turned off. When pouring water into the water adding tank 5 until the level sensor 6 is submerged, since the added water is water with mineral content, that is to say the water itself is electrically conductive, the water contacts both the heating furnace 7 and the level sensor 6, whereby the electric circuit for detecting the level is closed, indicating that a sufficient amount of water has been poured into the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, a subsequent operation of preparing coffee can be performed. That is, the liquid level sensor 6 and the heating furnace 7 are each formed as a part of a circuit for detecting a liquid level to detect whether a sufficient amount of water is added to the heating furnace 7. Alternatively, the liquid level sensor 6 may also be provided on top of the heating furnace 7. When the water level in the heating furnace 7 reaches the top, the water level sensor 6 can detect the water level to ensure that a sufficient amount of water has been injected into the heating furnace 7. The amount of water should at least be able to cover the heating element.

In the embodiment of the invention, since the level sensor 6 for measuring the liquid level is simple in operation principle and simple in circuit, the effect of preventing dry-burning of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is obtained in a very simple and reliable manner. A plurality of liquid level sensors 6 may also be provided at different positions as needed to detect the respective liquid levels, so that a specific water level in the heating furnace 7 can be detected. By detecting a specific water level in the heating furnace 7, the amount of water injected into the coffee brewing assembly 3 can be controlled to obtain a desired coffee beverage.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view of a machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein further details of specific components of the coffee brewing assembly 3 are shown in partial cross-sectional view, on which brewing housing a control panel 30 for user operation and providing visual indications to the user is provided.

As shown in fig. 7, the brewing housing 31 is coupled to a main body portion of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee and is sealed by a seal 11, such as an O-ring, to prevent liquid, such as water, from entering the interior of the brewing housing 31. Inside said brewing housing 31 a capsule holder 311 is provided for receiving and holding a capsule 34. After the capsule 34 is placed into the capsule holder 311, the relief plate 35 is pressed against the flat surface of the capsule, and the capsule snap ring 32 is detachably mounted to the brewing housing 31 to seal-lock the capsule 34 between the capsule holder 311 and the capsule snap ring 32. The cup holder 36 is removably mounted under the capsule-clasp 32. In one embodiment, the capsule snap ring 32 may be unlocked by rotating on the brewing housing 31 (e.g., more specifically the capsule holder 311) to latch or rotate in the opposite direction. So that after each brew the user can detach the capsule snap ring 32 and replace a new capsule.

Fig. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the coffee brewing assembly 3 in an enlarged view. The capsule 34 is in sealing engagement with the capsule holder 311 at its periphery. For example, the periphery of the capsule 34 is clamped between the cup 36 or capsule clamp ring 32 and the capsule holder 311. The periphery of the capsule 34 may be provided with a sealing ring, or at least one of the cup holder 36 or the capsule-clasp 32 and the capsule-holder 311 is provided with a sealing ring. Defined in the capsule holder 311 is at least one piercing member 312 provided with at least one piercing point adapted to penetrate the top of the capsule 34. The capsule holder 311 is provided with a channel for supplying a fluid flow from the oven 7, which corresponds to a piercing point for tearing in the top of the capsule 34 by the at least one piercing point. Thereby, boiled water from the heating furnace 7 can flow through the channel into the piercing point and into the capsule 34. Piercing member 312 may be multiple and of different lengths to accommodate different sizes of capsules.

In fig. 8, cup holder 36 is shown in more detail. The cup holder 36 includes a holder body 363, and a dispensing nozzle 364 is provided at a lower end of the holder body 363. From the dispensing nozzle 364, brewed coffee is dispensed into the cup 33 for consumption. An embossed plate receiving portion 361 is provided inside the cup holder body 363, the embossed plate receiving portion 361 being for receiving the embossed plate 35. The relief plate receiving portion 361 includes an opening in the center thereof for the brewed coffee to flow therethrough. The embossed plate receiving portion 361 and the cup holder body 363 are sealingly connected, for example with a seal 365 such as an O-ring disposed therebetween, so that brewed coffee, after flowing out of the embossed plate 35, flows through the opening of the embossed plate receiving portion 361 and then to the dispensing nozzle 364 for dispensing.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cup holder 36 further includes a drip-proof mechanism disposed between the cup holder body 363 and the relief plate receiving portion 361 to prevent dripping of liquid such as brewed coffee. In a preferred embodiment, a tapered seat is formed around the opening at the center thereof at the bottom of the relief plate receiving portion 361. In a preferred embodiment, the drip prevention mechanism includes a plunger 366 and a biasing element 362, the biasing element 362 preferably being a spring, one end of the biasing element 362 abutting the cup holder body 363, the other end of the biasing element 362 abutting the plunger 366. The plunger 366 is configured to abut in the tapered seat of the relief plate receiving portion 361 due to the elastic force of the biasing element 362 to close the opening of the relief plate receiving portion 361, thereby preventing liquid such as brewed coffee from dripping.

Fig. 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an embossing plate 35 of a coffee brewing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 7-8 in combination, during brewing of coffee, the relief plate 35 abuts against the foil member of the capsule 34. The foil member of the capsule 34 serves as an outlet surface of the capsule 34, and the coffee powder in the capsule 34 is brewed with the boiled water entering from the top of the capsule opposite the foil member to extract the coffee. The relief plate 35 includes relief elements 351 on a surface thereof, and apertures 352 extending through the relief plate between the relief elements 351. The apertures 352 allow brewed coffee to flow therethrough through the relief plate 35. When the boiled water flows into the capsule 34, the pressure within the capsule 34 increases, which presses the foil members of the capsule 34 firmly against the relief elements 351 and the holes 352, and when the pressure reaches the breaking tension, the foil members of the capsule 34 tear on the relief elements 351 and the holes 352, at which time the relief elements 351 correspond in a manner to piercing elements for piercing the foil members, whereby brewed coffee leaves the capsule 34 through the foil members and enters the holes 352 of the relief plate 35. The relief elements 351 may have different shapes, such as truncated triangular cylinders as shown in the figures, or truncated triangular cylinders. In one embodiment, the rupture pressure required for the foil member of the capsule 34 to tear is about 9 bar. It will be appreciated that the burst pressure may take other values. In a preferred embodiment, the apertures 352 are tapered apertures that taper from the surface comprising the relief elements 351 toward the opposite surface to facilitate rapid exit of brewed coffee from the relief plate 35 to increase the efficiency of coffee flow therethrough.

With further reference to fig. 8, when the foil member of the capsule 34 breaks due to increased pressure within the capsule, brewed coffee having a greater pressure flows out through the apertures 352 of the relief plate 35. As the brewed coffee has a greater pressure, the pressure is sufficient to push the plunger 366 downward away from the raised plate receiver 361 against the compressive force of the biasing element 362, so that the brewed coffee continues to flow downward and is dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 364 into the cup 33. When the brewing operation is completed quickly, the pressure of the brewed coffee or the like within the capsule 34 is reduced, and when the pressure of the brewed coffee is reduced to a predetermined threshold value, for example when the pressure of the brewed coffee is less than 6 bar, the biasing element 362 will push the plunger 366 upwards onto the relief plate receiving portion 361, thereby closing the opening in the relief plate receiving portion 361, so that the brewed coffee will not continue to flow downwards, whereby no more coffee drips downwards at the dispensing nozzle 364. Thus, the drip prevention mechanism is able to prevent dripping of liquid, such as brewed coffee, thereby ensuring that the coffee no longer flows out, thus ensuring a clean and tidy machine 100 and table top for preparing and dispensing coffee.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a control panel 30 of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee according to an embodiment of the invention, said control panel 30 comprising a button 301 operated by a user and an indicating means 302 for providing visual indications to the user, said indicating means 302 being arranged around said button 301. In one exemplary embodiment, the indicating means 302 comprises a ring of light bars disposed around the button. In one exemplary embodiment, the indication device 302 comprises eight LED lamps, wherein fig. 11a to 11h show the LED lamps of the indication device in sequence, which are gradually lit.

In an embodiment of the invention, the control panel 30 can be used as different functions, the different colours and the different lighting states of the lights in the indicating means being used to provide an indication to the user about the state of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee. For example, when priming is complete, button 301 may be held for a number of seconds (e.g., 3 seconds) until the red light of indicator 302 is illuminated, at which point the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is functioning properly, preparation of coffee may begin, and the user may then release button 301.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the level sensor 6 does not detect the water level, the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee will automatically shut down, which state may provide a visual indication to the user by the indication means 302 illuminating only one green light clockwise around the button 301.

In an exemplary embodiment, the indication means 302 may illuminate eight LED lamps incrementally when the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is being heated, for example as shown in sequence in fig. 11a to 11 h. In an exemplary embodiment, the indication device 302 serves as a temperature indicator, the LED or the like is preferably displayed in red. At this point, the number of lights illuminated indicates how much the water is heated, for example if eight lights are all illuminated, at which point the water has been fully heated, i.e. has been boiled.

In an exemplary embodiment, the indication means 302 may display the progress of the coffee dispensing when the coffee is dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 364. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, indication device 302 is used as a dispensing indicator, an LED or the like is preferably displayed as green. At this point, the number of lights illuminated indicates the extent to which water is being dispensed, for example if eight lights are all illuminated, at which point coffee has been completely dispensed.

In an embodiment of the invention, the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is used for preparing single cups of coffee. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the prepared coffee is about 68 degrees celsius and the single prepared coffee is about 50ml, so that the prepared coffee can be consumed immediately. The single heating time of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is about 3 minutes and the brewing time is about 40 seconds. Thus, the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is capable of preparing coffee for consumption very quickly and easily.

In an embodiment of the invention, the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee is provided with a plurality of sealing structures to prevent water or coffee from flowing through to avoid causing risks. For example, as shown in fig. 5, a sealing member 12 such as an O-ring is provided between the water tank 5 and the upper housing 1 to prevent water from accidentally flowing into the inside of the upper housing 1 between the water tank 5 and the upper housing 1 when water is added to the water tank 5. For example, as shown in fig. 7, a seal 11, such as an O-ring, is provided between the brewing assembly 3 and the upper housing 1 to seal against the ingress of liquid, such as water, into the brewing assembly 3. For example, a seal is also provided between the control panel 30 and the brewing housing 31 to prevent liquids such as water from entering the brewing assembly 3. In an embodiment of the present invention, a seal is also provided between the battery pack and the main body portion of the machine 100 for preparing and dispensing coffee, to prevent liquids such as water from entering the battery pack and liquids such as water from entering the main body portion, thus enabling a better improvement in the safety of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

In the embodiment of the invention, the machine for preparing and distributing coffee is compact in design, convenient to carry and good in stability, can meet the requirements of people for drinking at any time, is very convenient to use and has good user experience effect. In an embodiment according to the invention, thanks to the use of a liquid level sensor of simple design, it is possible to prevent dry heating of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee in a very simple and reliable manner, avoiding damaging the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee. The relief plate is configured to include relief elements on a surface thereof and apertures between the relief elements that extend through the relief plate and gradually widen from the surface including the relief elements toward an opposite surface. The embossment is configured to facilitate rapid exit of brewed coffee from the embossment to enhance the efficiency of coffee flow therethrough. In an embodiment according to the invention, the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee comprises an anti-drip mechanism to avoid soiling the machine and the table top for preparing and dispensing coffee, ensuring a clean and tidy machine and table top. In an embodiment according to the invention, the control panel comprises buttons operated by the user and indication means for providing visual indications to the user, which are capable of performing different functions, displaying different states to the user, providing information to the user about the state of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee in a simple manner, facilitating further operation of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

Although the present disclosure describes embodiments, not every embodiment is described in terms of a single embodiment, and such description is for clarity only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments described in the disclosure as a whole may be combined appropriately to form other embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims (21)

1. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, wherein the machine comprises an upper housing, a lower housing, a water-adding tank disposed within the upper housing and a heating oven in fluid communication with the water-adding tank, and a coffee brewing assembly in fluid communication with the heating oven, the coffee brewing assembly configured to receive boiled water from the heating oven for brewing coffee, wherein the upper and lower housings are formed into a body portion of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee, the coffee brewing assembly is attached to the upper housing at an upper end thereof, and the coffee brewing assembly is angled relative to the body portion.

2. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1, wherein said coffee brewing assembly is inclined with respect to said main body portion by 15-30 degrees.

3. Machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a level sensor is also provided for detecting the level of water in the heating furnace.

4. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water-adding tank is higher than the heating furnace, the bottom of the water-adding tank being provided with a level sensor for detecting the level of water added to the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

5. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 3, wherein the level sensor is an electrically conductive pin, both electrically connected to a circuit for detecting the level of liquid, forming a detection circuit.

6. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coffee brewing assembly comprises a capsule snap ring, an embossed plate and a brewing housing, within which a capsule holder for receiving a capsule is provided, the capsule snap ring being used for sealingly securing the capsule to the capsule holder.

7. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 6, wherein at least one piercing element for piercing the capsule is provided inside the brewing housing.

8. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 7, wherein said at least one piercing element comprises two or more piercing elements and they have different lengths.

9. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 6, wherein there is also provided a cup, said capsule snap ring connecting said cup to a capsule holder, said cup comprising a cup body, at the lower end of which there is provided a dispensing nozzle, inside which there is provided an embossed plate reception for receiving an embossed plate.

10. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee as set forth in claim 9, wherein the cup holder further comprises an anti-drip mechanism disposed between the cup holder body and the relief plate receiving portion.

11. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 10, wherein the drip-proof mechanism comprises a plunger and a biasing element, one end of the biasing element abutting the cup holder body, the other end of the biasing element abutting the plunger, the plunger being configured to abut in a tapered seat of the relief plate receiving portion due to the resilient compression force of the biasing element.

12. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 6, wherein the relief plate comprises relief elements on its surface and holes between the relief elements, which holes extend through the relief plate and widen progressively from the surface comprising the relief elements towards the opposite surface.

13. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 6, wherein a control panel for user operation and providing visual indication to the user is provided on the brewing housing, the control panel comprising a button operated by the user and indication means for providing visual indication to the user, the indication means being provided around the button.

14. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 13, wherein said indicating means comprises a ring of light bars arranged around said button, the different colours and different lighting states of the lights in said indicating means being used to provide an indication to the user as to the state of the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

15. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 13, wherein said indicating means are capable of illuminating different colours and numbers of lights to provide an indication that the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is being heated and that coffee is being dispensed.

16. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a seal is provided between the dosing tank and the upper housing, and a seal is provided between the brewing assembly and the upper housing.

17. Machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said machine for preparing and dispensing coffee further comprises a battery pack arranged in said lower housing.

18. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 17, wherein said machine is provided with a charging interface in order to charge said battery pack.

19. Machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dosing tank is formed in the shape of a container with a shallower bottom.

20. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 17, wherein said machine for preparing and dispensing coffee is substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the coffee brewing assembly, the lower surface of the battery pack being flush with the lower end of the lower housing when the battery pack is mounted in place, thereby acting as a support surface for the machine for preparing and dispensing coffee.

21. A machine for preparing and dispensing coffee according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coffee brewing assembly is rotatably attached to the upper housing.